World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production

Accompanying Persons Programme

The Congress is hosting an accompanying persons programme which will provide the participants with the opportunity to see Auckland, experience some of its best attractions and get a real flavour of the city's history and culture.

Our accompanying persons programme runs on Monday 12 February, Tuesday 13 February, Thursday 15 February and Friday 16 February. We have designed a programme that will allow you to explore our Auckland and slightly further a field, whether you're looking for cultural experiences, inner city hot spots or beautiful beaches and island escapes. Details on each of the sightseeing see the information below as to the offerings each day.

How to book:

Simply choose the Accompanying Persons Programme when you register a delegate

Accompanying Persons Programme registration is NZ$75.00 and includes:a name badge, catering each day at the Aotea Centre and a tote bag full with goodies to help you for the week.

Accompanying Persons will have access to the sessions and trade exhibition over all four days and can book tickets for any of the activities listed below.

Accompanying Persons are also able to purchase field trip tickets on Wednesday 14 February

Travel along the southern motorway to the Auckland Botanic Gardens home to the Sculpture in the Gardens event from 11th November 2017 to 25th February 2018. The Auckland Botanic Gardens is very proud to host this 6th biennial Sculpture in the Gardens event! This event is a great opportunity to see large-scale artworks from New Zealand's best-known and up-and-coming sculptors on a 2 kilometre sculpture trail throughout the Gardens. Read about the exhibition and selected sculptors on the Sculpture in the Gardens website. www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz

Located in the Huakaiwaka visitor centre at the Auckland Botanic Gardens is Café Miko.

Sights and Beach Tour

This afternoon travel along the seaside road known as Tamaki Drive to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park. Situated just off Tamaki Drive near Mission Bay, the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park is set amongst 49 hectares of land with impressive panoramic views overlooking Waitemata harbour and Rangitoto Island and sweeping views of Auckland city skyline. The tall obelisk, sunken pool and landscaped gardens is a memorial to New Zealand's first Labour Prime Minister (born 1872 - died 1940) and also the founder of New Zealands Welfare State. Free time to explore this park and take photographs of the harbour and city.

Travel on to Mission Bay and stop to view Mission Bay beach and the Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain. This fountain is the centre piece of the Mission Bay Reserve. Trevor Moss Davis was director of the Auckland liquor firm Hancock and Company and died of a sudden heart attack in 1947 at the age of 45. His father Eliot Davis, nephew of Sir Ernest Davis, Auckland mayor from 1935 to 1945, gifted a memorial fountain at Mission Bay to keep the memory of his son alive. The fountain was designed by architect George Tole and created by Richard Gross, it is constructed of Sicilian marble fluted to catch the light and decorated with three bronze sea monsters gushing water. The memorial is a landmark on the city's waterfront, regularly sending dancing jets of water as high as 12 metres (40 feet) in the air and at night it features a beautiful light show. During the summer young children use it as a paddling pool.

Travel on to Saint Heliers which is a warm, sunny-side village nestled in the heart of Auckland. Maybe have afternoon tea at one of the many cafes and explore the boutique shops while you're there. Or maybe just stroll on the beach. You may never want to leave!

Tuesday 13 February

Matakana 'foodie' tour - all day

Discover the delicious tastes of fresh Matakana Coast produce; served in local restaurants or purchased from the roadside. The quality and care our passionate locals instil in the creation of their produce is evident in the taste sensations you will experience.

The Matakana Taste Tour includes visits to two wineries as well as three local producers of your choice – choose from the following: Sausages, boutique cheeses, hand made chocolates, gourmet Smoke House, oysters, honey, ice cream, olive oil, pure water & a farmer's market option on Saturdays.

Tour Highlights:

Meet colourful, talented locals along the way; enjoy their stories of how their ventures established and flourished.

Enjoy a delicious antipasto platter lunch at a beautiful winery – another opportunity to sample the delights of this region

Waiheke Island Tour

On arrival at Waiheke Island guests will be met and taken on a tour of Waiheke Island including wine tasting at two vineyards, olive oil tour and olive oil tastings, walk on the beach at Onetangi Beach, free time for independent lunch in Oneroa town centre and free time at Oneroa town centre which is home to numerous galleries such as Glowing Sky www.glowingsky.co.nz (New Zealand made merino garments), the Waiheke Art Gallery www.waihekeartgallery.org.nz, Christine gallery www.goldsmith.co.nz and the amazing Island Gelato www.islandgelato.co.nz (delicious gelato!) etc.

When Aucklander's talk of an island paradise they are referring to Waiheke Island which is 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. With a permanent population of around 9,000 people Waiheke Island is home to over 30 wineries, along with olive groves and dozens of local and internationally renowned artists. On this picturesque island there is a blend of farmland, forest and stunning beaches. With hot, dry summers and stony soils, Waiheke wineries produce unique, high quality wines based on cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and the recent move into chardonnay grape varieties.

Wednesday 14 February

Field trips

Itinerary

Dairy EventTime: 0700 - 2230

Departure Information

Please meet in the BNZ Foyer at 6:45am at the latest.

All four buses depart the Aotea Centre at 7:00am.

Please ensure you have your breakfast prior to departure as this is not included with the tour. Complimentary coffee will be provided at the Aotea Centre from 6:30am.

There will be five buses in total, with four buses completing identical tours, and one bus separating for a special milk testing tour in the morning. The schedules are as follows:

Main tour: Four buses

Tour LIC's innovation farm to view the latest in on-farm technology. Participate in an interactive session on NZ farming systems.

Enjoy a BBQ lunch on a commercial dairy farm, with the chance to hear from a NZ farmer, and view their elite cattle.

Tour CRVs 'state of the art' collection facility, and meet their top breeding bulls during a bull parade.

Wrap up the day with a visit to the world famous Hobbiton movie set, where delegates will enjoy a standing dinner. Buses will then return to Auckland

Special tour: One bus
Note: This tour is limited to 30 delegates, and aimed at people who specialise in milk testing.

Tour the laboratory facilities of the two main milk-testing laboratories in New Zealand (MilkTestNZ and LIC).

MilkTestNZ is the central milk payment testing laboratory in NZ. This means they test milk on behalf of processors for milk payment purposes. MilkTestNZ also tests CRV's herd test samples.

Across the two labs delegates will view both FOSS and Bentley testing equipment. FOSS will give a technical presentation at MilkTestNZ. In addition, at the LIC facility the delegates can view the DNA and Animal Health laboratories.

In the afternoon delegates will enjoy a BBQ lunch hosted by LIC, and then join the main group for a tour of LIC's innovation farm and a standing dinner at the infamous hobbiton movie set.

Things you need to know:

Biosecurity is very important – your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please wear clean, sturdy footwear, that you can spray/ scrub when arriving at and leaving each venue (we will provide disinfectant).

Boot covers will be provided on the bus when you arrive at most venues – please keep your shoes covered until you get back on the bus.

Please do not touch the animals – Animals will be on display at most venues, please do not touch them

It's likely to be very hot – but it might pour with rain! Dress for heat, but pack a rain coat.

Food allergies/ requirements – we would like to get all delegates with food allergies/ special requirements on the same bus so that we can ensure you are catered for appropriately. This will be clearly labelled in the morning

Angus Event
Time: 0830 - 2130

Departure Information

Please meet in the BNZ Foyer at 8.15am at the latest.

Buses depart the Aotea Centre at 8.30am (sharp).

Please ensure you have your breakfast prior to departure as this is not included with the tour.

Complimentary coffee will be provided at the Aotea Centre from 7:30am.

Angus Event
This tour leaves Auckland and travels through the Waikato region to Waitomo where guests will be treated to a stunning tour of the limestone caves and marvel at the glow worms as they boat through the waters of Waitomo.

After lunch at Waitomo, the tour will travel to Storth Oaks Angus Stud only 35 minutes from the Caves.

Weather permitting the group will travel through the typical hill country sheep and beef property to the sale barn.

Storth Oaks is a leading NZ Angus breeding farm incorporating most modern technologies into their programme.
There will be a selection of stud cattle on display and viewed through the property and two sponsors - American Angus Association and Beef and Lamb Genetics will give presentations before drinks and a barbecue dinner supported by Performance Beef Breeders.

We will return back to the Aotea Centre at 9.30pm.

Things you need to know:

Biosecurity is very important – your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please wear clean, sturdy footwear, that you can spray/ scrub when arriving at and leaving each venue (we will provide disinfectant).

It's likely to be very hot – but it might pour with rain! Dress for heat, but pack a rain coat.

Equine EventTime: 0900 - 2100

Visit one of Australasia's largest and most successful Thoroughbred stud farms – pasture based horse production. Delegates will be treated to an afternoon at the Races followed by an evening meal.

Tree Selection and Breeding
Time: 0730 - 1815

Departure Information

Please meet in the BNZ Foyer at 7.15am at the latest.

Buses depart the Aotea Centre at 7.30am (sharp).

Please ensure you have your breakfast prior to departure as this is not included in the tour.

Complimentary coffee will be provided at the Aotea Centre from 7:00am.

Tree Selection and Breeding Event
This trip will be hosted by Scion geneticists and forest pathologists who use a range of technologies to improve tree growth, form, resistance to pests and diseases and wood quality.

The day will cover two important tree species for New Zealand; the iconic indigenous kauri tree (Agathis australis) and the backbone of the New Zealand planted forestry industry, Pinus radiata. You will visit a Pinus radiata planting and talk about tree breeding techniques and technologies including phenotyping, tree breeding and genomic selection.

We will discuss the latest disease to threaten P. radiata forests – Phytophthora pluvialis, and screening systems under development.
You will also visit native forests, with a focus on the iconic native kauri tree (Agathis australis). Kauri have spiritual and family ties to the tangata whenua (people of the land) of New Zealand. Kauri are currently being challenged by Kauri Dieback, caused by Phytophthora agathidicida.

We are lucky enough to be visiting a marae, a sacred meeting house for New Zealand tangata whenua. This is a special opportunity and one that requires participants to follow cultural protocols which will be clearly explained on the day. Please be prepared to remove your shoes as you enter the main meeting house on the marae. You may wish to consider your sock selection on the day. At the marae, discussions will cover the cultural importance of kauri, and the potential of genetics and genomics to help retain this iconic tree in the New Zealand landscape.

We will also have lunch at the marae, also a unique New Zealand experience.

Things you need to know:

Biosecurity is very important – your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please wear clean, sturdy footwear, that you can spray/ scrub when arriving at and leaving each venue (we will provide disinfectant).

Please bring a hat for the sun and sunburn cream – we will be supplying some sunburn cream if you do forget.

Morning and afternoon tea as well as lunch, will be provided.

Te Puke Plant and Food Research
Time: 0900 - 2130

Departure Information

Please meet in the BNZ Foyer at 8.45am at the latest.

Buses depart the Aotea Centre at 9.00am (sharp).

Please ensure you have your breakfast prior to departure as this is not included with the tour.

Complimentary coffee will be provided at the Aotea Centre from 7:30am.

Te Puke Plant and Food Research Event
This tour is hosted by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research.

Plant and Food is the world's largest horticultural research company, supporting fruit, vegetable, crop and food industries. The Te Puke Research Centre (2.5 -3 hours south of Auckland) is situated in the beautiful Bay of Plenty and it is home to the largest kiwifruit research orchard in the world.

The day will start with a presentation about Plant and Food's Seafood Research (as we cannot get you to Nelson in the South Island) and our work with the seafood industry to optimise the value of seafood harvests. We have included a visit to Plant and Food Research kiwifruit orchard; the orchard covers 50 Ha and houses the biggest single collection of Actinidia species outside of China which is used extensively by the breeding and other research teams.

After the visit we will be heading to the Hobbiton set in Matamata where there will be a light barbeque and refreshments in conjunction with some of the other tours, before buses depart Hobbiton and return to Auckland.

We will return back to the Aotea Centre at 9.30pm.

Things you need to know:

Biosecurity is very important – your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please wear clean, sturdy footwear, that you can spray/ scrub when arriving at and leaving each venue (we will provide disinfectant).

It's likely to be very hot – but it might pour with rain! Dress for heat, but pack a rain coat.

Deer and Sheep Event
Time: 0600 - 2130

Departure Information

Please meet in the BNZ Foyer at 5.45am at the latest.

Buses depart the Aotea Centre at 6.00am (sharp).

Please ensure you have your breakfast prior to departure as this is not included with the tour.

Complimentary coffee will be provided at the Aotea Centre from 5:30am.

Deer and Sheep Event
You will visit deer and sheep (terminal and maternal flocks) properties and listen to Focus Genetics and AgResearch staff discussing their breeding programme.

This includes Focus Genetics deer breeding programme, DNA parentage, DeerSelect and introduction of genotyping by sequencing for DNA parentage, breed composition and genomics selection. Sheep includes terminal sire flocks selected for growth, meat production and meat quality and is accompanied by talks on their genomic selection programme with a similar set of talks for their maternal programme.

Trip includes a Barbeque morning tea, lunch and a light dinner.

We will return back to the Aotea Centre at 9.30pm.

Things you need to know:

Biosecurity is very important – your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please wear clean, sturdy footwear that you can spray / scrub when arriving at and leaving each venue if that is required.

It's likely to be very hot – but it might pour with rain! Dress for heat, but pack a rain coat.

Images courtesy of Pamu Farms of New Zealand, Te Anau

Alexander Farming Genetics / Hobbiton Event
Time: 0800 - 2030

Departure Information

Please meet in the BNZ Foyer at 7.45am at the latest.

Buses depart the Aotea Centre at 8.00am (sharp).

Please ensure you have your breakfast prior to departure as this is not included with the tour.

Complimentary coffee will be provided at the Aotea Centre from 7:00am.

The property has some of the most FE-tolerant sheep in New Zealand due to their involvement in Facial Eczema trials with AgResearch since 1978. They are currently initiating a lot of work in the area of genomics and see this as the next increase in productivity, through increased genetic gain.

The farm is also home to the world famous Hobbiton Movie Set where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. The group will be taken on a private tour of the Alexander family sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges.

There will be presentations in the morning from Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics on recent developments, including the transformation of the New Zealand sheep industry's performance recording and genetic evaluation database. Today, the database holds information for more than 600 flocks – making it the largest genetic evaluation of sheep in the world.

After lunch, a guide will escort you around the Hobbiton set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. Once the tour has finished, there will be a light barbeque and refreshments, before buses depart Hobbiton and return to Auckland.

We will return back to the Aotea Centre at 8.30pm.

Things you need to know:

Biosecurity is very important – your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please wear clean, sturdy footwear, that you can spray/ scrub when arriving at and leaving each venue (we will provide disinfectant).

Please do not touch the animals – Animals will be on display, please do not touch them.

It's likely to be very hot – but it might pour with rain! Dress for heat, but pack a rain coat.

Aquaculture Event
Time: 0800 - 1730

Departure Information

Please meet in the BNZ Foyer at 8.00am at the latest.

All delegates will depart at 8.30am (sharp) on foot to the Ferry Terminal (15 mins away).

Please ensure you have your breakfast prior to departure as this is not included with the tour.

Complimentary coffee will be provided at the Aotea Centre from 7:00am.

Aquaculture Event
This tour leaves Auckland and travels by ferry to Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf. In just 40 minutes we will arrive at the beautiful island, home of great wineries and some of New Zealand's finest farmed Pacific oysters.

A bus will take us to the Te Matuku Marine Reserve at the south east corner of Waiheke Island. There we will tour a Pacific oyster farm, Te Matuku Oysters, hosted by the manager who will provide an overview of how oysters are farmed in New Zealand and describe the company's involvement in the oyster selective breeding programme.

Lunch will be held at one of the Island's wineries 'Cable Bay' followed by presentations about the use of selective breeding in New Zealand aquaculture and the benefits this has brought to the industry. There will be an opportunity to discuss the future of breeding and genomics in this growing global industry.

In the afternoon we will take a conservation tour of the island and stop off at key attractions, including the chance to stroll through some native bush before heading back to the big city on the ferry.

We will return back to the Ferry Terminal at 5.30pm.

Things you need to know:

Biosecurity is very important – your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please wear clean, sturdy footwear, that you can spray/ scrub when arriving at and leaving each venue (we will provide disinfectant).

It's likely to be very hot – but it might pour with rain! Dress for heat, but pack a rain coat.

Dairy Sheep EventTime: 0700 - 2200

There is a rapidly emerging dairy sheep industry in New Zealand. The original dairy flock was predominantly East Friesian based, but recently, two major new flocks have imported new genetics.

The tour will involve a visit to both Southern Cross and Spring Sheep Milk Co in Taupo providing an opportunity to see how they are developing breeding strategies and management systems within the newly emerging sector.

Visit a coastal sheep, beef and dairy farm and end the day with a caving adventure!

Limestone Downs, owned by the C. Alma Baker Trust, has been used for sheep, beef and dairy research for over 70 years. www.calmabakertrust.org
The farm is currently host to the Beef+LambNZ Genetics Dairy Beef Progeny test, in which 80 beef bulls have been used over 800 dairy cows for two years to produce 1200 crossbred calves. The calves were born in 2016 and 2017 and are being reared for processing at 2 years of age.

This trip departs Auckland at 9.30am, before heading south to Port Waikato. Arriving at Limestone Downs, the tour will start with lunch at the woolshed, where you'll get to see the 2017 calves from the Progeny Test, and hear about the progress of the progeny test to date. A tour of the sheep and beef farm will take in the ram-breeding flock, 18-month-old cattle from the progeny test, and sweeping coastal views. Weather permitting, we will stop at the black-sand beach, before visiting the five-year-old dairy conversion where we will see cows milked through the 60-bail rotary cowshed.
The day will wrap up with a visit to Nikau caves, where you will have the option of either wet or dry caving adventures, or a simply relax in the picturesque gardens, before enjoying a barbeque dinner. www.nikaucave.co.nz

Thursday 15 February

Hobbiton Express Tour

Time: 0700 - 1500
Cost: $236.00 per person
Meeting point: Pick up from Aotea Centre
What to bring: Just yourself! Lunch is included in the package.

This tour is an easy day trip from Auckland. Let Bush and Beach take you on a magical journey through Middle-Earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' filsm for a fascinating guided tour.

Sumptuous buffet lunch - free souvenir voucher - return transport with full commentary from Auckland city - bush and beach guide with you for the whole day - admissions and guided tour of hobbiton movie set - ale, cider and ginger beer at the green dragon inn

Sylvia Park - Shopping Mall

Welcome to Sylvia Park, New Zealand's largest shopping centre - located at the heart of Auckland, with unparalleled exposure and accessibility.

Shop till you drop with amazing shops, restaurants and a movie theatre. Make a day trip out of this experience at Sylvia Park. To find out what is happening at the complex click here.

Friday 16 February

Tiritiri Matangi

Time: 0900 - 1700
Cost: $85.00 per person (including a guided walk) + $30.00 for a lunch box.
Meeting point: Aotea Centre (then as a group we walk down to the wharf)
What to bring: Walking shoes, day pack, water

Explore the enchanting wildlife sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island. Expert guides will lead you to hidden spots on the Island where native wildlife is in abundance.

You will learn the history of Tiritiri Matangi against a backdrop of native birdsong echoing through the canopy. A beacon of conservation, the Island has been replanted with native species, all mammalian predators eradicated, and a number of threatened and endangered bird and reptile species have been successfully reintroduced, including the flightless takahe, one of the world's rarest species, and the tuatara. There are few places in New Zealand where you can readily see and walk amongst so many rare species.

Rangitoto Island

Time: 0915 - 1700
Cost: $33.00 per person + $30.00 for a lunch box
Meeting point: Aotea Centre (then as a group we will walk down to the wharf)
What to bring: Day pack, water, togs/towel for swimming, binoculars if you want to go bird watching and good walking shoes.

The volcanic Rangitoto Island is one of the most iconic landmarks in Auckland's city skyline. Sitting majestically off the coast, Rangitoto's distinctive symmetrical cone rises 260 metres over the Hauraki Gulf. Climb to the summit or take a 4WD road-train to the top for epic views.

Rangitoto erupted from the sea 600 years ago in a series of dramatic explosions. Two episodes 10 to 50 years apart are thought to have lasted for several years each. This makes Rangitoto the youngest island in the Hauraki Gulf – the last and largest volcano to be formed in the Auckland volcanic field.

Exploring Rangitoto is a 'must do' day out for locals and tourists alike. A gentle climb through lava fields will lead you to the summit in approximately one hour. Allow extra time to explore the lava caves on the way back, or see the historic bach community near the wharf.

Auckland City Walk

Taking off from Auckland's downtown, the walk heads up through Britomart Transport Centre, taking you through the city's pedestrian laneways and right up to the recently renovated Auckland Art Gallery. You'll then wander through the historic Albert Park and University of Auckland, before heading back down to Auckland's famous viaduct precinct and across Te Wero Bridge, concluding among the hustle and bustle of the always-interesting Silo Park.

While we strive to visit all stops on our walk, please be aware that due to the each walk being unique we might not visit all stops listed above.

Art Gallery

Time: 1000 - 1700
Cost: $10.00 for a tour, otherwise entry is freeHow to get there: Short eight minute walk from the Aotea Centre

How to book a tour:
English-language tours start in the foyer on the ground floor daily at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Tours last 60 minutes and are limited to 15 people. Book at the information desk on the ground level on the day of your visit. There is a Café available in the gallery.

Visit Auckland's Art Gallery walk around and view the wonderful art on display.

Auckland Art Gallery is a cultural leader in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our purpose is to be a place for art and a catalyst for ideas. We offer experiences that strengthen and enrich our communities, and we value collaboration and dialogue.

With multiple exhibition spaces spreading across three levels of our award-winning building, we are the largest and most inspiring visual arts experience in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our collection and loan collections currently number over 16,000 artworks. Together, they include major holdings of New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art. Alongside outstanding works by Maori and Pacific artists, they represent significant international painting, sculpture and print collections.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Tour prices: You can extend your experience further with a package deal that includes a Highlights Tour, Maori Cultural Performance or both. Visitors can bundle their admission with a package of their choice. Bookings can be made on the day at the information desk.

Auckland War Memorial Museum is New Zealand's first Museum. The Museum tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people. The Museum is a war memorial for the province of Auckland and holds one of New Zealand's top three heritage libraries.

It has pre-eminent Maori and Pacific collections, significant natural history resources and major social and military history collections, as well as decorative arts and pictorial collections.